Syracuse woman admits guilt in suburban store heist

Syracuse, NY -- A Syracuse woman admitted in court today to participating in a January robbery at a suburban store with her husband, who recently entered a "not responsible" plea under the state's insanity law.

Jennifer VanDyke, 24, of Ash Street, pleaded guilty before County Judge Joseph Fahey to attempted second-degree robbery in connection with the Jan. 9 holdup at the Valero Food Mart on Oswego Street in Liverpool.

VanDyke had been facing a more serious charge of first-degree robbery and a possible sentence of up to 25 years in state prison. Authorities said VanDyke and her husband robbed the store clerk who was cut across the forehead with a knife during the incident.

Assistant District Attorney Kari Armstrong agreed to reduce the charge to attempted second-degree robbery and have VanDyke sentenced to five years' probation and six months in jail.

Armstrong and defense lawyer Lisa Gilels both said the robbery was VanDyke's husband's idea and that she felt compelled to go along with him. Gilels also noted her client had nothing to do with assaulting the clerk during the robbery.

Fahey adjourned the case to Nov. 2 and allowed VanDyke to remain free until then.

Although the defendant has some mental health issues, they did not rise to the level that she could avoid being held criminally responsible for her conduct, the lawyers noted. Things were different with the husband.

John VanDyke, 22, was allowed to plead not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect to first-degree robbery and second-degree assault charges June 12. Authorities said he could not be held criminally liable for the holdup because of his psychiatric condition for which he has been undergoing treatment his entire life.